Järnefelt: Orchestral Works

Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. (Available now to download.)

About

Completed in the spring of 1893, Järnefelt’s Serenade was composed in Paris, and the French influence – especially that of his teacher Massenet – can be clearly heard. Two years later, in the Symphonic Fantasy, composed after a momentous visit to Bayreuth, the influences are rather Wagnerian, and especially obvious in the central slow section with its clear reminiscences of Parsifal. The programme closes with Berceuse for violin and orchestra. The piece is a beautifully atmospheric miniature which has found a place in concerts of lighter music all over the world.

Conducting his compatriot’s music – as well as performing the violin solos – is Jaakko Kuusisto, well-known to a wider audience for his recordings as a violinist of music by Sibelius, Rautavaara and Kalevi Aho. He conducts the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, whose performances of the music of Sibelius have earned them world-wide recognition.

Listen

To listen to sound samples, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

Armas Jarnefelt: Symphonic Fantasy

Symphonic Fantasy

Armas Jarnefelt: Suite in E flat major

I. Andantino

II. Adagio quasi andante

III. Presto

IV. Lento assai

V. Allegro feroce

Armas Jarnefelt: Serenade

I. Allegretto quasi marcia

II. Andante espressivo

III. Adagio

IV. Allegretto

V. Sostenuto

VI. Allegro vivace

Armas Jarnefelt: Berceuse, "Lullaby"

Berceuse, "Lullaby"

Reviews

February 2011

“The performances are splendid and BIS's recorded sound is first-rate.”

March 2011

“It is evident from the very beginning that Järnefelt was a man of the orchestra; his scoring is sure and colourful and his invention, if not strongly individual, is strong enough to hold the listener...Jaakko Kuusisto directs the excellent Lahti Orchestra with sensitivity and persuasiveness.”

2011 edition

“It is evident from all the works on this record that Armas Jarnefelt was a man of the orchestra; his scoring is sure and colourful and his invention, if not strongly individual, is strong enough to hold the listener...Kuusisto directs the excellent Lahti orchestra with sensitivity and persuasiveness”